BY GOD'S GRACE, WE WILL OVERCOME

Newly Elected EKUC President Pastor Dr. Joel Okindo Delivers Powerful Acceptance Speech Focused on Healing, Hope and Strategic Growth by 2030

Following his official election at the East Kenya Union Conference (EKUC) Special Constituency Meeting on June 11, 2026, the newly appointed President, Pastor Dr. Joel Okindo, delivered a deeply moving and Christ-centered acceptance speech.

Addressing delegates at the Adventist University of Africa (AUA), Pastor Okindo expressed profound humility, acknowledged the immediate challenges facing the territory and outlined a visionary, faith-driven roadmap to transform EKUC into a beacon of mission and unity.

A Humble Spirit of Dependence

PHOTO: Pr Joel Okindo, EKUC President

Stepping up to the podium, Pastor Okindo began by turning the focus away from himself, choosing instead to emphasize his complete reliance on The Lord.

“I and the others are not more special than others who were not elected,” Pastor Okindo stated humbly. ” It is only by the grace of God that we are given a chance to serve.”

Reflecting on the weight of the office, he admitted that accepting the assignment was an incredibly difficult decision, but noted that his strength comes from a secure identity in Christ. “It wasn’t easy to accept this assignment, but I am depending on God. I am a child loved by God, and I can do any assignment He gives me to do. The Lord does not call you to fail, but to succeed. We will succeed in the name of the Lord.”

Honoring Mentors and Family

Pastor Okindo took a deliberate moment to express deep gratitude for the support systems that have shaped his ministry. Having spent the last 10 years serving at the East-Central Africa Division (ECD) headquarters as Assistant to the President, he paid a glowing tribute to his supervisor and mentor, the ECD President Pastor Blasious Ruguri.

“I thank the President; I have learned so much from his leadership,” Pastor Okindo remarked, adding that he feels immensely blessed by Pastor Ruguri’s mentorship. “I know he will support me as we transition into this new chapter.”

He also offered affectionate thanks to his family, praising them for being an enduring source of encouragement throughout his decades of gospel ministry.

Confronting Challenges with Faith

Pastor Okindo did not shy away from the institutional hurdles currently facing the union, directly addressing the atmosphere that led to the special meeting. However, his message remained resolutely optimistic. “There are challenges, and I am fully aware of them,” he acknowledged. “But Jesus is greater than the challenges. By God’s grace, we will overcome.”

To anchor his call for spiritual restoration, the newly elected President pointed the delegation to two powerful biblical promises. He invoked 2 Chronicles 7:14, praying earnestly that EKUC would collectively claim God’s promise to humble themselves, pray and witness the healing of their land. He followed this with Romans 8:31, declaring with conviction: “If God is for us, who can ever be against us? I am absolutely sure the Lord is for us. With the Lord on our side, nothing is impossible.”

PHOTO:EKUC OFFICE

The 2030 Vision: Three Visionary Goals

Looking ahead, Pastor Okindo energized the auditorium by outlining three major, measurable goals that he prayerfully aims to accomplish across the EKUC territory by the year 2030:

1. Double the Church Membership: Expressing unwavering belief in the potential of the region, he declared that doubling the membership is entirely possible through the power of God.
2. Double the Number of Givers: He emphasized the need to expand faithful stewardship across the territory to robustly fund local and global evangelism.
3. Achieve Total Healing, Unity, and Reconciliation: Pastor Okindo placed a massive priority on institutional peace, pleading with the constituency to break down walls of division. “We need healing in EKUC. We need unity and reconciliation. We must stay focused on the mission. The mission is clear.”

A Message of Hope

Concluding his inaugural address, the president challenged the delegates, institutional workers and the wider church family to leave the special meeting changed, carrying a renewed spirit of expectation.

“Leave with hope. Have a message of hope,” he urged the crowd. “See you when we talk about mission. Pray for us, the Lord will do it.”

The speech was met with a spirit of unified dedication, setting an inspiring, forward-looking tone for the elected leaders.